How is the market responding to these opportunities? Do stakeholders show a sufficient level of interest? Considering the variety of opportunities offered by nanotechnologies, it is necessary to distinguish between the different stages of the chain. Whilst some sectors are developing hand in hand with nanotechnologies (e.g. functional packaging, nanoformulations, nanosensors), other sectors are more careful with the introduction of nanotechnologies in production processes. This is due to uncertainties about real economic advantages, consumers’ acceptance, and evolution of the regulatory framework.
What are the major technical-scientific obstacles to research development at the moment? Due to the larger surface area and quantum effects (irrelevant in the macro-world, but increasingly more important the smaller the size of particles), the nano dimension creates greater response of materials, next to changes in their chemical-physical properties. This results in a variation – through macro and micro dimension up to the nano dimension – of the characteristics of persistence, bio-availability, agglomeration, of the toxicological and toxico-kinetic profile. Knowledge about the interactions of nanomaterials at molecular or physiological level, their effect on consumers’ health and the environmental impact in the medium and long term is still very limited. Furthermore, the lack of standard methods to indicate the presence and characterize nanoparticles in foodstuff, next to the shortage of adequate reference materials, simply weakens the system of controls and measures. For a safe and effective use of these technologies, a balanced and harmonious development of scientific knowledge in various fields is required, and, particularly, studies and research on the effects (on health and environment) of medium-long term exposure to nanoparticles, next to an adequate development of nanometrology; and to this purpose these two research sectors should be able to keep pace with nanotechnologies.
Are there any other factors that slow down research? The rapid proliferation and spread of nanotechnologies in a wide range of consumer products, raised concerns about health protection, food safety, environmental protection and ethical, regulatory and political questions. Uncertainties and lack of knowledge about the effects and impacts of new technologies, or the lack of clear communication on the risks and benefits, may raise concern among the public.
What can be done to overcome consumer’s lack of confidence? There is a clear need for developing effective information strategies for building public confidence in research, preventing phenomena of speculation and exploitation of consumers’ concerns, which often encourage market distortions, with substantial economic losses. It is therefore particularly important to react with clarity and transparency to the increasing consumer demand for information and to their concerns about the product safety. It is also necessary to prevent “demonising actions”, and the development of “a priori” opposition (as already occurred with GMOs), favouring technological development in harmony with nature, taking into account perceptions and today’s choice and consumption attitudes, with future generations in mind.
Are there any benefits or funds at national or European level for companies willing to invest in research in this field? At European level, Horizon 2020 offers opportunities through various programs, as: “Nanotechnologies, Advanced Materials, Biotechnology and Advanced Manufacturing and Processing” (NMBP) and “Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine and maritime and inland water research and the bioeconomy” (SFS). The theme “nanotechnologies” is present also in various regional plans of “Smart Specialization Strategy”; it is widely perceived even by the National Smart Specialisation Strategy, which will be linked to new open calls for research activity. Cooperation between companies and research institutions is a fundamental prerequisite and for the agri-food sector, the National Agrifood Cluster is the reference point and the natural gathering point. The national technological Roadmap is available for download at the Internet address (www.clusteragrifood.it) ; the website offers useful information for starting new co-operations.
